Dear Student, Good luck! Félim Bolster High School Head

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2 Dear Student, Applying for college can be a confusing process. It is true that there are a lot of things to consider and a lot of work to do. However, we are very experienced in taking students through this process, and we are always there to support you each step of the way. This guidebook is designed with you in mind. We have structured it to take you through the entire process. This is a four-year journey that begins in 9 th grade. The handbook begins with an overview timeline that describes the process, grade by grade. You can use this timeline to keep track of what you should be doing each year. The remainder of the book will have all the supporting materials that link to this timeline. We then ask you to look at who you are. We ask you questions, such as: What are my strengths? How could these relate to possible professions? How do I describe myself to potential colleges/universities? How can I keep track of my achievements in school? Once you have started the process of narrowing down potential areas of study, it is time to start thinking about the right college/university for you. There are many things to consider when choosing a college/university. We have dedicated another section of this book to talking you through this important stage of the process. Finally, when you have decided on where you want to go to college/university, it is time to start thinking about how to apply, and what an application looks like. All the work you have completed in the previous years will be useful in the application process. We have excellent counselors with a vast amount of experience and knowledge. They will be your guides through this book, and they are the best resource that you have. Be sure to stay in touch with them throughout this whole process. Good luck! Félim Bolster High School Head 2

3 Table of Contents 1. How do I use this book? 5 2. What does the process look like? Timeline What is Important to Keep in Mind on the Path Ahead? Who am I? Naviance and Careers Profiling Art of a Good Resume Sample Resume Career Planning Resources Where do I want to go & what is good fit? Factors to Consider when Choosing a University University Representatives Visiting ISB Visiting a University Campus Learning Differences and the University Experience Resources: 27 Campus Visit Planning Form and Notes 28 University Comparison Worksheet How do I apply? The Application Parts of Admission Folder The Personal Essay UCAS Personal Statement Letters of Motivation Personal Interview Tests for University Admissions Admissions Decisions How Do I Pay for University? Finances and Financial Aid Applying for Financial Aid in the US I have been accepted into college and/or I want to do a Gap Year; what do I do now? Forms required to enroll Gap Year Opportunities and Internships Resources 50 3

4 8. What does the process look like around the world? University Admissions by Country: 53 Australia 54 Belgium 55 Canada 57 Germany 59 India 61 Republic of Ireland 62 Japan 63 Korea 64 Netherlands 65 Poland 66 Singapore 68 Sweden/Scandinavia 70 Switzerland 71 United Kingdom 73 United States 75 Universities in Europe with Instruction in English What forms do I need? Teacher Recommendation Form ISB College and University Applications Agreement Additional Information: ISB High School Profile Glossary Notes 91 4

5 1. How Do I Use This Book? Welcome to the college and university admissions process! This book is meant to be a guide for you to refer to throughout your four years of high school. It will help you prepare to apply to university, and it will provide you with clear expectations of what you should expect throughout the college admissions process and how best to plan ahead before your senior year. You can use the timeline in Chapter 2 to give you an overview of the process and to help you break it down into steps, year by year. You can then refer to the main body of the handbook to read the more detailed information We are excited to be working with you. The university process is both straightforward and complex. Students may have to make difficult choices about what is best for them, in terms of what university represents the best fit for intellectual, academic, social and career opportunities. At times it may seem confusing and there may be lots of information coming your way, but remember, you have your teachers, parents, administrators and guidance counselors all here to support you. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn all about the university application process! Johanna Fishbein Head of CCC Mary Ellen Cochran Counselor Maura Murphy Counselor Craig Brown Counselor 5

6 2. What Does the Process Look Like? Applying to University is a four year process at ISB. We want you to start thinking in Grade 9 about what you can do to put yourself in the best possible situation for applying to university during your senior year. You will have lots of guidance along the way, but it is important to keep the timeline below in mind at the start of each school year; make sure you know what you should be accomplishing throughout the year, and check-off the boxes as you attain each goal. It is a good idea to keep this timeline in a place where you can see it often (perhaps the refrigerator or a bulletin board). If you are checking off all of the boxes and asking your counselor questions whenever you have them, the college application process will become much easier by the time you are in Grade 12/13! 6

7 2.1 Timeline The Four Year College Application Process Timeline: 9 th to 12 th Grade Getting ahead in the college/university planning process helps ensure that ISB students arrive in their final year of High School well prepared for the fast approaching transition to life after ISB. Remember your High School Transcript is built up over four years from Gr. 9 to Gr. 12/13. Many colleges around the world require a 4 year transcript as part of the college application process, so it is important to think about your 4 year plan at the start of Gr. 9. The following checklist highlights some of the key steps that grades 9 12/13 students will need to take. Career and college research should be fun so enjoy discovering more about your future! Grade 9 things to do throughout the year Gr 9 is the first year of a 4 year programme leading to a High School Graduation Diploma. This is the time to think about your long term plans and goals. What would you like to do when you leave school? Read! A wide vocabulary is the most useful prep for SAT/ACT/TOEFL and other college entry tests. Begin to think about your strengths and weaknesses, your likes and dislikes (academic and personal). What qualities and skills do you already have that you can build on as you progress through High School? (Are you a linguist? Super-organized? A team player? A tech wizard?) Get involved in extra-curricular activities that interest you. Long term interests show a determination to succeed in something and look impressive on a college application. There are many opportunities at ISB sport, MUN, arts. Develop good work habits that will be helpful as you progress to stimulating and challenging work in Gr. 10 and beyond. Research the world of work and research different professions. Talk to your parents, relatives, family friends, teachers and counselors about the many opportunities that exist. Course Selection in Spring Though much of the Gr. 10 curriculum is set, when given a choice of electives be sure to register for appropriate classes based on your talents and general interests and on what you hope to do in 10 th, 11 th and 12 th grades. Familiarize yourself with the different academic paths, (IB, Academic Diploma, General Diploma), available in the High School. You must also think about Graduation requirements. These details are available in the Course Description Booklet. 7

8 Grade 10 Fall Get involved with extracurricular activities. These can help you demonstrate leadership/teamwork skills which are important for college, and they can be linked to CAS. Although not essential, you may wish to take the PSAT in 10 th grade. If so, you must contact your Counselor, by the end of the first week in September. Only the PSAT taken in 11 th grade can be valid for NMSQT. You will be given an introduction to Naviance. You can use this, (with your parents), to help you discuss possible careers and colleges. You will also be shown how to begin building a CV on Naviance. CAS Creativity, Action and Service. You will learn more about CAS at the start of 10 th grade, but remember to keep up to date with CAS Graduation requirements throughout 10 th grade. Work on good study habits/time management skills. These will help you earn good grades for your transcript. Compile a list of university majors/courses of study that interest you. Attend college fairs in the area as well as presentations made by university representatives visiting ISB. Spring You will be assigned a Counselor and will meet them at least once in the spring term. Using the Course Handbook, you will find out about the requirements for the various diplomas available (eg Academic, General, IB, Individualized), and discuss these, along with possible career options, with your assigned Counselor. You will complete a careers and personality test on Naviance. Discuss these results with you parents and Counselor. Use websites to familiarize yourself with college/university entrance exams. PSAT & SAT ACT UK Admissions Test Plan to take practice tests using one of the commercially available college entrance exams prep books. (Ask your Counselor for recommendations). Explore summer opportunities such as jobs, internships, volunteer work, or summer school programs. Talk to your parents about financing your university studies, research scholarships and financial aid options. Summer Consider participating in a Pre-College Summer Programs. Read! A wide vocabulary is the most useful prep for SAT/ACT/TOEFL and other college entry tests. Visit colleges you are interested in if possible. Continue researching possible college destinations 8

9 Grade 11 All Year Keep up those grades! Wherever in the world you apply, your grades and external exam predictions will be very important. Put your best effort into good academic performance and try to improve where possible so that you present the best possible transcript. If you are a US citizens or permanent resident, obtain a Social Security number for use on college applications Meet with visiting college representatives and attend local area fairs (There are fairs in Belgium and Holland if you are considering Europe). Even if you are not planning to attend a particular school, you might change your mind after their presentation! At the very least, you learn about universities, what they offer and what they expect of applicants. Think about/plan college visits during school holidays or attending Open Days in the UK or Europe Compile a long list of colleges (you began this last year). If relevant, prepare for SAT and/or ACT via test prep books or online. (Family Connection has an SAT/ACT test prep section). Studying/revising just 15 minutes per night over the course of several months can make a big difference in your college admission test results! Discuss college costs and funding, including the financial considerations of pursuing a university education in one country over another with your parents. Fall You will attend grade level College Planning Workshops at the beginning of the school year. Continue researching possible college destinations and updating Naviance. A further workshop will be provided mid-way through the fall term. If you have any questions or concerns, schedule an appointment with your Counselor. Take the PSAT offered in October to all 11 th graders. Review the courses you are taking and extracurricular activities pursued. Colleges typically weigh rigorous classes more heavily, and they appreciate a well-rounded person. Plan your CAS activities. Remember you must have planned, started or finished your Superproject by the end of 11 th grade as well as completed the required hours. Spring In January you should attend, (with your parents), the Grade 11 College/University Information Evening. Your Counselors will make appointments to discuss your plans and progress with you. You need to be prepared for these meetings. Continue college research via college websites, Family Connection, references/catalogues in the Guidance Office. 9

10 Register for required US College Entrance Examinations, (ACT & SAT) in February. Your Counselors can give you details. Plan to take both exams, if possible. If necessary, take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Evidence of English proficiency is usually required of foreign passports holders from countries where English is not the official language. (Note: the TOEFL or IELTS may be required for any student in English B/ ELD or any student who has not been attending a school where English is the language of instruction for at least 5 years). Check the specific requirements for demonstrating English proficiency of the universities you target. Research scholarship and/or sponsorship options: these may require early applications or a specific application process. For the UK, check out BMAT/UKCAT for medicine, LNAT for law courses, TSA for Oxbridge, and any other entry tests, eg. HAT, ELAT. Start work on college essays and personal statements. There will be workshops on these and your counsellors and advisors will help you. Update Family Connection with your college choices. May June Request 2 or 3 written references from teachers who know you well. See Reference Request Form on Blackboard. You can also attach a resume to this if you wish. If applying for Early Decision in the US or to certain courses that require early applications (e.g., Oxbridge, medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science in the UK) make sure that you have checked entry test deadlines. You may be able to register for some tests at the end of 11 th grade or during the summer. Contact colleges and universities for their brochures and information on open house events or campus tours. Finalize arrangements for summer university visits. Summer holidays! Spend your summer wisely! Consider studying a subject of interest, read, travel, visit colleges, volunteer or gain some work experience. This adds strength to your application. Do you need a summer SAT/ACT prep course? Applicants for medicine, veterinary science or teaching in the UK must have some related work experience. This is helpful for other areas of the world too. If you are doing an Extended Essay write a good draft now! Work on your college essays and personal statements so that you are in a good position to complete your college applications early in 12 th grade. 10

11 Grades12 & 13 (FINAL YEAR) All Year Keep up the good work. Colleges will be reviewing your transcript and/or predicted grades looking for a strong academic record and extracurricular involvement. Remember, Naviance deadlines are strict so make sure you know all the deadlines. August - September Your Counselor will meet with you to review your academic record and to ensure that you are on target with application plans. Advise your counsellor if you are applying early. Narrow down your choices to the maximum ten applications that ISB will process with you, based on the criteria most important to you: location, size, majors offered, activities offerings, etc. Keep a calendar/spreadsheet to record all application and scholarship deadlines. Students applying to European and Canadian colleges should check application deadlines as these vary enormously. Complete your application essays, personal statements or motivational letters. Review with your counsellor for advice. Attend College Application Workshops that are offered by Counselors. Register for UKCAT, LNAT, BMAT, TSA, HAT, PAT, ELAT, TOEFL, SAT and SAT subject tests if required. Take every opportunity to meet with college representatives visiting ISB. UCAS (UK) online applications begin in September. Teacher s references remind those you have already asked or ask those you would like to write your references if you have not already done so. October If you are submitting a paper application, complete a draft and review with your counselor before transferring the information to the original document. Take required admissions tests and check deadlines, (if appropriate). Students applying to Canadian universities in Ontario can register on OUAC. Continue to keep track of all application and scholarship deadlines and update your college lists in Family Connection. Give all supporting application materials to the Guidance Office at least 3 weeks in advance of stated deadlines to allow processing time. November - December If appropriate, arrange to release your standardized test scores to your chosen colleges before application deadlines. Take November and/or December SAT or SAT Subject Tests (if required). These will be the final set of 11

12 SATs for most graduating seniors. Some UK Oxbridge entry tests held in school in early November TSA, HAT, ELAT, BMAT. Check with your counsellor. Applications for December/January must be completed now so that they can be processed and sent before the school vacation. Gap Year students start thinking about how you might like to spend your year. You may need to research employment, travel or community service options. January-February Remember that admissions officers will be reviewing your senior year transcript, so keep working. Many European, Canadian and Asian university applications open in January or February, so check that you have the necessary documentation in plenty of time. If you are beginning the application process now, remember to meet with your counselor to discuss your plans. UK applicants can track the status of applications online. You should be receiving offers from universities, via UCAS in the coming months. Keep you counselor informed of offers made. Update Family Connection. March - April For UK students: you do not have to make any decision until you have received answers from all your colleges. UCAS will give you a deadline by which you must reply to offers. Discuss your Firm and Insurance choices with your counselor. US students must respond with their final decision by May 1 st or the place may be lost! European and Asian university applicants: check application deadlines and requirements, if you have not already applied. Keep track of acceptances, denials, and financial aid awards and notify your counselor of all admissions decisions. Check all information received from your chosen university, e.g., deposits to secure a place, housing application forms and deadlines. May - June UK students must reply to offers online via Track. Write thank you s to the colleges you have decided not to attend and decline their offers of admission. This is a courtesy and allows the college to offer the place to another applicant; it might be an ISB student. UK applicants do not need to do this. Fill out the housing request form at the college you will be attending. If you forget to do this, you may not be entitled to on-campus or college housing. 12

13 All students complete the graduation survey so the Registrar can send in a final transcript. Check out student visa requirements. GRADUATION But you are not finished yet! Just when you thought it was all over...a few reminders: Summer For those requiring student visas start the procedures. Check the mail for housing and orientation information from the college you will be attending. Pay close attention to all payment deadlines. IB results will be out in early July. If you have not requested your results to be sent to your colleges (the IB co-ordinator will discuss this with you in semester 1) you may need to forward these quickly to colleges in order to get firm acceptance. 13

14 2.2 What is Important to Keep in Mind on the Path Ahead? 1. High School Achievement: There is a lot of conflicting advice about what is most important to admission officers. Every year the National Association for College Admission Counselors polls thousands of admissions officers and every year the answer is the same. Academics, doing well in challenging classes, are the most important factor in admissions. As you work through the college process, remember that it is critical that you stay focused on your academic course work. 2. A Logical Plan: The Counselors hold numerous required meetings/seminars throughout the spring and fall. Through group meetings, individual sessions and special programming, we help each student understand the opportunities at different colleges, different countries and different continents, create a testing plan and go through the self-analysis that leads to self-advocacy and strong applications. We encourage you to view the counseling office as a resource that can help you achieve success. 3. Common Sense: If you hear comments regarding colleges or the college process that do not make sense to you, discuss your concerns with your counselor. There are many strange rumors that can give you false impressions. If it sounds outlandish or too good to be true, it probably is. 4. Selectivity: It is true that many colleges continue to set records for numbers of applications received while remarking that the quality of the applicants is also increasing. More than ever, colleges are looking to fill their classes with an array of interesting, diverse students. This environment means that you must focus on creating compelling cases at each college. The only way to accomplish this is to stay focused on each step and not to spread your energies too thin. There are always more possible standardized test prep questions to answer and more college applications to potentially complete, but given your demanding schedule, time is a finite resource. 5. One College: After all is said and done, you can only attend one college. The process is not about trying to get into as many colleges as possible, nor is it about seeing where one might be able to gain admissions; it is about finding an educational community that will appropriately challenge and support all of your needs and aspirations. 14

15 3. Who Am I? Learning at ISB requires that you as a student attain the skills to learn independently, so before you begin thinking about what you hope to do after ISB, it is important to reflect on who you are as a learner. Talk to adults about their careers, and think about what kind of courses and careers may interest you. The first part of the college application process is to think about how you learn best, what you might be interested in learning more about, and how you will gain the most out of your university years. 15

16 3.1 Naviance and Careers Profiling We re fortunate to have Naviance Family Connection, a Web-based service designed especially for students. Naviance is a comprehensive website which students use to research universities, colleges and careers. Although developed primarily for US college admission, Naviance now provides information on colleges worldwide. Naviance will allow you to: Get involved in the planning and advising process Complete on-line surveys and manage timelines and deadlines for making decisions about colleges and careers Research colleges Compare entry requirements such as standardized test scores, and other statistics to actual historical data from ISB students who have applied and been admitted in the past; find links to university websites; maintain list of universities which are of interest to a student Prepare for the SAT/ACT through Method Test Prep Naviance also lets the counselors share information with students via . We believe that Naviance is a useful tool for students to use. If students have further questions about Naviance, they should be sure to contact their counselor. This important tool should be used extensively in the College Search Process so it is very important for the student to make sure the information in Naviance is up to date and correct. To log in: ( If students in Grades 11 or 12/13 do not know their login and password details, they should (registrar@isb.be) Career Profiling (Naviance) In addition to providing students, parents, and counselors with comprehensive information regarding the college application process, Naviance has programs that can help with the career and college major search. Choosing a career can seem like a daunting task; that s because it is, and it is helpful to realize that just like college, choosing a career is a process and not necessarily an easy decision to make. To help with career choice, Naviance has developed a personality profile, an interest profile, and career clusters to provide students with insight about themselves and how their individual preferences and strengths may ultimately affect the career in which they gain the most satisfaction. Starting in the 10 th grade, your counselors will lead a workshop to help you navigate the Careers part of Naviance and help you interpret the results to plan for your future! 3.2 Art of a Good Resume Life at ISB involves learning inside and outside of the classroom. All of the activities you do outside of the classroom are considered your Extracurricular Activities and universities around the world will want to know out them to see what things interest you and what your passions may be. Extracurricular activities include involvement or leadership in: school sports teams, community service, student government, the newspaper, internships, or any other outside of classroom activities. A resume should be created to keep track of all of your activities and so that this information can be sent to universities in an organized, clear fashion. 16

17 What is a resume? A resume is a brief but detailed synopsis of your high school activities, interests, and involvement in school, out of school, in your community and so on. A good resume can, in a couple of minutes, give a reader a sense of how you spend your time. When is a resume useful? A resume is most useful as part of a job application or job interview. In some cases, however, you may be glad you have one when you fill out college applications (helps you be more organized and remember everything you ve done) or have college interviews (can serve as the basis for interview questions), or when college representatives come to ISB. A good resume will often include information on the following: Your name, where you live, your phone # and your address Education Any honors or awards you may have received Clubs and activities Community service Languages spoken Sports Summer activities Employment Personal interests Special talents Personal/Education Goals Remember this resume is to highlight you don t put in any categories that don t apply to you. The best way to do your resume is over a period of time. You can keep track of your activities, important events, awards, etc by using the Resume Builder on Naviance. Once logged in, click on the About Me tab and find the link for Resume under the interesting things about me category. Follow the prompts there to make new entries, arrange the contents and save your resume. This will allow you to add information as time goes along and always have an updated resume available! 17

18 3.3 Sample Resume Suzie Smart College Lane 16 Brussels, Belgium 1050 Education: 2010 present International School of Brussels Francis Parker School, San Diego, CA Honors: Awards: Leadership: Languages: Clubs: Activities: Community Service: Sports: Interests: National Honor Society Most Valuable Player Volleyball (Year) class officers as well as leadership position in clubs, captain of sports team, first chair in music, etc. Bi-lingual English/French/ Dutch Conversational Spanish or just list years of language taken (French-3 years) number of clubs is not as important as commitment / number of years involved (list positions held and years) i.e., lead in drama production, Special student committee to the Superintendent what kind and for how long (one week Habitat or every week for 2 years?) if you play sports, put them here with the years and the levels (do not put athletic awards here, as that should be under a different category) some of this may be self-evident from the information above, but if you like gourmet cooking here is the place to add it. Employment: had a job (summer, babysitting, washing cars, etc.) Objective: Explain what it is you hope to accomplish. Make sure that this resume is attractive, the spelling/grammar are perfect, and it highlights your strengths. It should NOT be longer than one page. 18

19 3.4 Career Planning Resources Interest inventories are only as good as the information that is put into them. These are oriented to U.S. students and look at the full range of careers; vocational to post graduate careers. Interest inventories do not work for everyone but are a good starting point even if you know what you want to do. You may discover a career that you had not thought of before. Academic and Career Information Center, Kansas State University Explore careers by your major. Excellent ( Bridges This top-notch subscription site, also known as Career Explorer, has daily updates on careers written in a highly readable, informative style. Archived articles provide current career information on countless occupations. ( Career Click Information on 700 careers, some with streaming videos one click away. ( Career Zone Excellent, quick and easy way to explore a variety of occupations. ( College Board Career search questionnaire and lots of career information. ( Get That Gig Great site on careers, interviews with professionals, internships with links to find one s own field of interest in a teenage-friendly format ( Job Profiles Experienced workers share the rewards of their job; stressful parts of the job; basic skills the job demands; challenges of the future; and advise on entering the field. ( Job Star This site is packed with information about planning your career. What kind of training or education is required? What can you earn? What kind of environment will you work in? What s hot? What s not? Some sites include personal stories from people working in the field. ( The Source Australian site for help about searching for jobs, getting a job, starting a business, or volunteering ( 19

20 Michigan Occupational Information System Self-Assessment Career Survey If you are interested in finding out what careers you might like to pursue, this site offers a brief survey of career cluster areas divided into interests and aptitudes. ( My Future Focuses on college and career information especially for teens. Build a resume online, find out about college finance options, roommate stories, the military as an option and more. ( Naviance Explore careers through My Personality Type, Career Interest Profiler and Explore Careers and Clusters. ( Occupational Outlook Handbook Put out by the U.S. Department of Labor, excellent information on a variety of career areas, job prospects, income potential, training required, etc. ( O Net Online Find occupational information, do a skills matching search. ( Princeton Review Career questionnaire, profiles of many exciting careers, SAT review information. ( The Riley Guide Everything one needs to know about looking for a job. Searching for a job, resume writing and cover letters, interviewing, negotiating salary. ( The Testing Room Take free on line tests to help you clarify your values, career interests, competencies and work personality. More extensive testing for a fee. ( 20

21 4. Where do I want to go and what is a Good Fit? When choosing a university to apply to, it is important that you think about the fit of the university. Fit can refer to things like: the location, the courses, the cost, and the size of a university. You must think about where you can see yourself being happy for the next stage of your life. A good university for you may not be a good choice for your friend, so make sure to keep this an individual decision. It is also important to remember that while the famous universities are excellent institutions, it is also important to look at schools you may not have heard of and consider what it would be like to live and learn in different places. Finding a fit is not an easy thing to do, but with the help of your counselor, your parents, and talking to alums of ISB you will find a university that is right for you. 21

22 4.1 Factors to Consider when Choosing a University Step 1: Know yourself After identifying your own style and desire, it becomes easier to find schools which are a match for you, or more often, those that are not a match! Ask yourself these questions (there are no right or wrong answers): What are your goals and values? Which values are most important to you? How have these developed and evolved? How do you define success? What unique gifts and strengths do you possess? What kind of person do you aspire to become? Is there any secret desire to choose one particular profession or path in life? What experiences have shaped who you have become and your way of thinking? Which do you value more, people or things, action or reflection? What emphasis do you place on education? What are your academic interests? What courses have you enjoyed most? If on your own, what would you choose to learn? How do you best learn? Are particular teaching methods more effective for your learning style? What has been your most stimulating intellectual experience? What is your attitude towards studying? What about your academic record? Have you taken the most challenging courses available? What are your grades? What are your SAT scores? How does your academic record represent you? Have there been circumstances that have affected your academic performance? On what type of activities have you spent your time outside of the classroom? Which have been the most fulfilling? Is there a pattern of commitment and success? What is your roll in your high school and community? What would others recognize as your contributions to the school or community? How do you perceive the world around you? Has the school environment encouraged your skills, interests and talents? How has your family influenced your outlook on life? Have your interests been nurtured or limited? Have you found a cause for which to stand up? How do you react when faced with people who thought or behaved differently to you? What issues do you feel strongly about? What is your social style, solitary or comfortable in large groups? How do you make difficult decisions? Step 2: Know about the university The following list is not meant to be the only means of evaluating a university. Each individual must determine the order of importance or weight each factor carries. You will need to review catalogs, handbooks, brochures, online listings, speak to current students, alumni and college reps; do your research! Type of school public vs. private (state) religious or secular coed or single sex liberal arts or pre-professional (engineering, business, nursing, etc.) conservative or liberal student body traditional or progressive 22

23 Enrollment number of undergraduates male/female ratio; co-ed or single sex % of international students residential or commuting retention rate after one year Location and Surroundings geographic location weather/climate proximity to family and friends size of town/city Curriculum and academic environment degree of competitiveness availability of professors (student to faculty ratio) quality of faculty; teaching vs. research what are the core curriculum classes which must be taken majors offered academic pressure and workload study abroad programs Campus life clubs, fraternities, sororities weekend events/activities religious organizations housing: co-ed/single-sex, required for first year/off campus housing possible meal plans honor system class attendance required security recreational facilities/extra-curricular activities Expense cost of tuition, room/board, books and supplies travel expense financial aid available, percent of students receiving aid work study programs Entrance requirements course prerequisites application process/ deadlines Standardized or entry tests IB requirements selectivity; % of applicants admitted average scores of freshman/first year student profile 23

24 TOEFL/IELTS; English proficiency requirements Balancing your needs with your choice Some considerations will be in conflict with others. You must prioritize and weigh the importance of these and other considerations that are unique to you. 4.2 University Representatives Visiting ISB What happens in a university visit? A representative from the university (an Admissions Counselor, Tutor or Dean) will visit the school and lead a presentation telling students and parents about the University: academics, location, size, etc. Sometimes these presentations include a PowerPoint so you can get a virtual tour of the campus. These representatives are often the people reviewing applications, so they will inform parents and students about the entry requirements for their university. Meeting these representatives is a great opportunity for you to establish a one on one relationship at a university where you may apply. Remember, a face with a name on an application is always a good thing! Many universities visit ISB throughout the year. These visits are always listed in the Daily Bulletin, the ISB College and Careers Counseling website, and on posters throughout the school. For all parents and students (Grades 10-12/13), it can be useful to attend these visits. Even if it is not a university you are interested in, it is always helpful to learn about other universities and to hear questions your peers may ask. In October, there will be a college fair sponsored by the Fulbright Foundation. This fair will be at ISB or at St John s and is attended by multiple American or American-style universities throughout the world. This is a great opportunity for students and parents to learn about a large variety of schools and meet with representatives or alumni from the universities. In April, ISB hosts a similar college fair featuring European universities. Again, all students and parents are encouraged to attend. 4.3 Visiting a University Campus Visiting a college/university campus is very important: it is a way to verify your assumptions about that school, city, region, or country. A visit gives you the opportunity to: ask important questions, to let the school know of your interest to attend and, to try to get a sense of your comfort level there. Don t just drive around campus and look at the buildings and trees. Here are some ideas of some activities that might help you get a feel for the school: Take a tour. Arrange this ahead of time. Remember that some tour guides are enthusiastic and dynamic; others are not. Don t use this as your only measure of the school. Attend an information session if offered. This will provide you with a well-rounded foundation for decisions and help to distinguish features of the school. It might also provide some tips for admissions. 24

25 Eat a meal. It may not be the best cuisine, but you will get an idea of how you will survive if you attend that school. Notice the ambiance is it friendly, how much diversity do you see? Stay overnight in the dorm if possible at your top choice schools. This will give you an opportunity to meet students and ask questions. If the university does not provide this opportunity (you must call IN ADVANCE and find out) then contact an ISB alum (if possible) at the school and ask to stay with him or her. Attend a class or two. Choose to see one of the large lecture style classes and a smaller seminar class if possible. Again, ask to set this up in advance. During the class, take note of the level of involvement of the students in the class. See if you can determine if the professor is actively engaged with the students or just going through the motions. Visit with students in the academic setting. If possible, meet some students enrolled in the area of study in which you are interested. Ask about academic and extracurricular activities. Arrange an interview with an admissions officer (if they are offered). Read the university newspaper. Get an idea of what is going on around campus and the community. Search for controversial issues to discuss with students or faculty. Check out the bulletin boards around campus. This will help to identify the activities that are available in the area and may imply something about the student body in general. Write down your impressions, especially if you are visiting more than one campus! The impressions of one can easily get jumbled up with others. Pay attention to your gut reaction. Take note of things that strike you as interesting, positive or negative. How would you describe this school to someone who had not had the chance to visit it? Remember to dress appropriately as you may have the chance to meet an admissions counselor while on campus. It is necessary to phone ahead to set up campus tours and interviews. Do your homework! Read the college catalog and prepare questions for the interviewer and tour guides. If you are interested in or will need financial aid, set an appointment with a financial officer to find out what is available and what guidelines need to be followed. 4.4 Learning Differences and the University Experience Students with learning issues have to put the services and programs available to them at college at the top of their list of priorities. Going to a college or university because friends go there, or the sports teams are excellent, isn t a good reason for any student but it can be disastrous for a student with special needs. The best schools for students with learning differences are those with: A comprehensive and structured support program for LD students Small class sizes (20-25 per class is ideal) Classes taught by professors, not teaching assistants (TA s) A culture of understanding about learning differences within the learning community A history of working with students with learning differences. Students are eligible for services for learning differences if they have recent, comprehensive evaluations to present to their college. The more detailed the paperwork, the more the school can help the student to obtain the services that will benefit them most in having a successful college experience. 25

26 Some universities in the United States have the reputation as being the most committed for services for students with learning differences. The following schools are known for their support of and success in helping students with learning differences achieve success in university and beyond. (This is not a comprehensive list but a good starting point). University of Denver Lynn University Fairleigh Dickinson University American University Landmark College Marymount College New England College Southern Illinois Univ. Southern Vermont College University of Vermont Hofstra University Adelphi University In the UK, DeMontfort University, Oxford-Brookes University, and the University of Leeds have programs to support students with learning differences. Canadian schools are mandated by law to help students with learning differences navigate the ins and outs of university study and life. In other countries, it is best to write schools directly to ask what services are available to students. Some useful links to find out more about learning differences and higher education are ( Web site on learning disabilities for parents, teachers, and other professionals. Great general information site. ( Very informative LD Online site that gives definitions/descriptions of the different types of learning disabilities, there is a general and an in-depth area for learning disabilities ( A Parent s Guide to Helping Kids with Learning Differences ( National non-profit membership organization, with state and local chapters, that conducts an annual conference and offers information and various publications. ( NCLD seeks to raise public awareness and understanding, furnish national information and referrals, and arrange educational programs and legislative advocacy. NCLD provides educational tools to heighten understanding of learning disabilities. ( Through family support and advocacy, public and professional education and encouragement of scientific research, CH.A.D.D. works to ensure that those with ADD reach their inherent potential. Thanks to a greater understanding of learning differences and continuing research in how people learn, students with learning differences are finding university courses and programs more accessible with each passing year. With some research and planning, finding a great fit for a young person with learning differences can result in an outstanding university experience and success in the world of work beyond. 26

27 4.5 Resources Making a List and checking it twice Understanding universities in relationship to what you want is very important. This part of the form should be completed before your visit to the university and this information; this will streamline the basic information about the university for you. You can obtain all of this information from Naviance or from the university website. Size (small, medium, large) Geographical location (rural, urban, small city etc) Student body diversity: (male/female, international students) Requirements for admission: English Math Social Studies / History Science Lab/biological? Foreign languages Fine Arts Other Test Scores: SAT (mid 50%) Verbal Math Writing IB predicted total ACT composite Criteria for admission (what is most important) Majors: Other factors: 27

28 University Campus Visit Notes Name of University: Location: Names of people you spoke with and their position: Campus Facilities: Comment on how the campus strikes you: Student Life: Your impressions of student life on campus: Academic Factors: How do the academic aspects of the school met with your needs and expectations? Overall impressions: What you liked best: What you liked least: Other factors you want to remember about this university: Overall assessment: how well this university fits you: Not very well Extremely well 28

29 University Comparison Worksheet UNIVERSITY NAME Rank LOCATION Geographic Close to family/friends Weather/Climate Rank SIZE % of international students Enrollment Physical size of campus Rank ENVIRONMENT Type of school (2-4 years, private/public) School Setting (urban, rural) Location & size of nearest city Coed, male-female ratio Religious affiliation Conservative/liberal, traditional Rank ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Deadline Test required, minimum scores Average test scores Application process Prerequisites Rank ACADEMICS Your major offered Workload Accreditation Student-faculty ratio, availability of professors Typical class size Rank COSTS Tuition, room & board Estimated total budget Work study program Application fee, deposits Travel expenses 29

30 FINANCIAL AID Rank Deadline Required forms % receiving aid Scholarships Housing Rank Residence hall requirements Availability Types and sizes Food plan FACILITIES Rank Academic Recreational Other ACTIVITIES Rank Clubs, organizations Greek life Athletics, intramural Other CAMPUS VISITS Rank When Special opportunities 30

31 5. How do I apply? Research is the most important part of the college application process, and it is by far, the most difficult part. There are so many choices that it can be overwhelming, but once you have done your research and narrowed down your list, you are all ready to apply! Throughout the application process, the most important thing to remember is that you need to be in constant contact with your guidance counselor and stay informed about upcoming deadlines for application materials. Organization is the key to success, so get started early and use Excel, Naviance, and other tools your counselors may suggest to make the college application process as easy as possible. 31

32 5.1 The Application A completed application has two parts: yours and ours. You have your responsibilities to fulfill and the Guidance Office has our own. You, the student are responsible for sending: Your personal information (the application itself) One or more essays, if required Various supplements, if required The application fee Your SAT or ACT test scores, sent directly from the testing agency We, the College Counselors, are responsible for sending: Your transcript, if required Secondary School Report, if required Teacher recommendations, if required The ISB profile Remember, your counselors are here to help you along the way, so make sure to stay organized and get materials in early! 5.2 Parts of an Admissions Folder 1. Application: Most applications can be downloaded or completed on line. If this is not an option, you can obtain one directly from the university. Request one early to allow for international mailing! The application must be done neatly, thoroughly and with extensive thought. You must proofread it many times and ask others to do the same for you! Many schools in the U.S. accept the Common Application which is available on line. UK applications are completed online only. You should always keep a copy of your completed application for your records. 2. Test Scores: Standardized tests give the university some foundation to compare you to other applicants. These should be reported directly from the testing service. Colleges/universities will not accept copies of the scores submitted by the high school or student. 3. Essay/Personal Statement/Motivational Letter: This is your chance to distinguish yourself to an admissions officer. Depending on where you are applying, you may want to write about: extracurricular activities, internships, or suitability for a course. 4. Recommendations: Teachers are a great source of information for the admissions officers. Be selective in who you ask for a recommendation; choose someone who knows you well academically. All recommendations sent from ISB remain confidential. 5. Transcript: You must request a transcript to be submitted on your behalf. Be sure to request these on Naviance by the announced deadlines. 32